With only four games left of the current season, and Surrey-based The Downs breathing down their necks, the reigning champions are taking each game as it comes in their quest to retain their Premier League Division One title. No opponents can be underestimated in the Premier League and the tripfurther north to Oaksway is always a tough one.
Oldham’s notorious slow start has been a focus for coach Debbie Hallas, however, true to formOaksway took an early 2-0 advantage before Oldham had even got out of the blocks. It took both teams a few minutes to settle as passes and shots were going astray. However, defender Jodie Gibson did her utmost to kick Oldham into gear and her turnovers were rewarded as Oldham started to convert their chances and they edged the first quarter 16-11.
At quarter time Hallas looked to her bench to make a few changes. Rachel Henry took the court at wing attack and Australian import Alix McDermott made her Premier League debut at goal attack. Oaksway came out firing in the second quarter and disrupted any flow that Oldham found. Loose passes through the court were picked up by Oaksway and Oldham saw their lead start to disappear. But Oldham with their dominant defence of Gibson, Emma Dovey and Georgie Webster kept Oldham in the game to draw the second quarter, at half time Oldham led 28-23.
Oldham’s notorious slow start has been a focus for coach Debbie Hallas, however, true to formOaksway took an early 2-0 advantage before Oldham had even got out of the blocks. It took both teams a few minutes to settle as passes and shots were going astray. However, defender Jodie Gibson did her utmost to kick Oldham into gear and her turnovers were rewarded as Oldham started to convert their chances and they edged the first quarter 16-11.
At quarter time Hallas looked to her bench to make a few changes. Rachel Henry took the court at wing attack and Australian import Alix McDermott made her Premier League debut at goal attack. Oaksway came out firing in the second quarter and disrupted any flow that Oldham found. Loose passes through the court were picked up by Oaksway and Oldham saw their lead start to disappear. But Oldham with their dominant defence of Gibson, Emma Dovey and Georgie Webster kept Oldham in the game to draw the second quarter, at half time Oldham led 28-23.
More changes were made by Hallas at half time to try and freshen up the attack. Kathryn Turner andMaria McAndrew returned to court and Henry moved to centre, a more familiar combination for the attack, while McDermott moved into the shooter position. Oldham started the second half strong with some great link up play between the attack. Webster doing a great job pressuring the Oaksway feeders and restricting the ball into the circle. Oldham kept their concentration well and started to grow their lead. At the end of the third quarter Oldham still had the lead 41-33.
It was the fourth quarter where Oldham really did the damage. Alice Travis returned to shooter and Turner, Henry and McAndrew found her with ease under the post after some quick exchanges of play. At the other end Dovey, Webster and Gibson were forcing Oaksway to make mistakes and the balls transition into a quick attack allowed Oldham to pile on the goals. Oldham dominated the last quarter 22-11 and there were flashes of the Oldham we have seen all season.
Coach Debbie Hallas: “I was really impressed with the defence today, they really stuck to task and kept us in the game in the first half. While at the shooting end Alice Travis was a real target for us today and put the ball in the net when it mattered. It was between Georgie Webster and Alice for my player of the match today but I will go with Alice for the excellent shooting accuracy at 94% scoring 33 of 35 attempts.”
Next week Oldham have their last home fixture against title contenders The Downs, a win next weekwould put Oldham in a fantastic position to retain their title.
Starting 7: GK Jodie Gibson GD Emma Dovey WD Georgie Webster C Gabriella Marshall WA Maria McAndrew GA Kathryn Turner GS Alice Tuner. Subs Rachel Henry & Alix McDermott
It was the fourth quarter where Oldham really did the damage. Alice Travis returned to shooter and Turner, Henry and McAndrew found her with ease under the post after some quick exchanges of play. At the other end Dovey, Webster and Gibson were forcing Oaksway to make mistakes and the balls transition into a quick attack allowed Oldham to pile on the goals. Oldham dominated the last quarter 22-11 and there were flashes of the Oldham we have seen all season.
Coach Debbie Hallas: “I was really impressed with the defence today, they really stuck to task and kept us in the game in the first half. While at the shooting end Alice Travis was a real target for us today and put the ball in the net when it mattered. It was between Georgie Webster and Alice for my player of the match today but I will go with Alice for the excellent shooting accuracy at 94% scoring 33 of 35 attempts.”
Next week Oldham have their last home fixture against title contenders The Downs, a win next weekwould put Oldham in a fantastic position to retain their title.
Starting 7: GK Jodie Gibson GD Emma Dovey WD Georgie Webster C Gabriella Marshall WA Maria McAndrew GA Kathryn Turner GS Alice Tuner. Subs Rachel Henry & Alix McDermott